Can-washer.



Patented Sept. I0. I90L. L. T. SEATON.

CAN WASHER.

(Application med Apr. 1v, 1901.,

(No Model.)

" UN'ITED STATES PATENT EETCE.

LEONARD T. SEATON, OF PLANO, ILLINOIS.

CAN-WASHER.-

SPECEFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 682,285, dated September 10, 1901. Application filed April 17, 1901. Serial No. 56,288. (No mocleLl To all whom, 1175 may concern.'

Beit known that 1, LEONARD T. SEAToN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Plano, in the county of Kendall and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Can-Washers and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and eXact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention has relation to apparatus for cleansing cans and like receptacles having a neck or contracted mouth, the purpose being to provide an adjustable brush of novel construction and securing means for fastening the apparatus to the cans of peculiar formation and operation.

For a full description of the invention and the merits thereof and also to acquire a knowledge of the details of construction of the means for effecting the result reference is to be had to the following description and drawings hereto attached.

While the essential and characteristic features of the invention are necessarily susceptible of modification, still the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the application of the invention. Fig. 2 is an elevation, the full lines showing the brushes drawn inward and the dotted lines indicating the position of the brushes when moved outward. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section of the plate carrying the drive mechanism, showing its relation to the neck portion of a can or receptacle when fitted thereto. Fig. 4 is a section of the parts shown in Fig. 3 and at a right angle thereto.

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and indicated in all the views of the drawings by the same reference characters.

The brush may be operated with or without gearing, although it is preferred to provide operating mechanism. Hence the same is illustrated in the drawings in connection with the brush.

The cleaner comprises a central stad 1, consisting of a rod or bar having an opening in its upper portion for the reception of the shaft 2, brushes 3,' and arms or links 4, pivotally connecting the brushes with the staff 1 in such a manner as to admit of the brushes moving inward to pass through the mouth or neck of the can 5 or other vessel or receptacle to be cleaned and to move outward against the sides of the can when inserted therein. These arms or links 4 are attached to opposite sides of the staff 1, so as not to interfere with one another and have adjustable connection with the said staff to admit of the brushes being moved outward to a greater or less extent when the links 4 occupy a horizontal position, thereby adapting the cleaner for cans of different diameters. The upper ends of the brushes 3 curve inward to conform to the upper curved end or dome-shaped part of the can. End bristles 6 are attached to the bottom links and are adapted to cleanse the bottom of the can or receptacle at the same time that the brushes 3 are operating upon theinner sides of the can.

The operating mechanism for the cleaner is mounted upon a plate 7 and in the present instance consists of a pinion 8 and a gearwheel 9, the pinion being secured to the upper end of the shaft 2 and the gear-wheel 9 being attached to a shaft 10, to which a crank-handle 11 is fitted. The shaft 2 enters the opening of the staff 1 and is held therein by a clamp-screw l2, this construction admitting of adjustment of the cleaner with reference to the plate 7. A block 13 is secured to the under side of the plate 7 and is adapted to fit within the flaring mouth of the can or receptacle 5, so as to center and iix the position of the plate 7. Clamp devices are provided for securing the plate 7 to the neck portion of the can when fitted thereto, and, as shown, consist of a metal bar 14, having a hook 15 at one end and provided at its opposite end with a cam-lever 16, the hook 15 and cam portion of the part 16 engaging the under side of the neck portion of the can at opposite points. The neck a of the can is flaring, as usual, and the ends of the block 13 are beveled or otherwise formed to lit snugly therein, so as to prevent lateral displacement of the plate when in position. The bar 14 is bolted or secured to the plate 7 in any substantial manner, and one end is bent to form the hook 15, and the cam-lever 16 is pivoted to its opposite end, the hook 15 and IOO cam portion of the lever being so shaped as to engage with the flaring neck a at opposite points and prevent outward displacement of the plate 7 when in place. When the plate 7 is secured to the cam in the manner stated and the cleaner is located therein, the can can be quickly Washed and cleansed by supplying a quantity of Water thereto and operating the crank-handle 11, Which rapidly rotates the cleaner With the brushes in contact With the sides and'bottom of the can. The construction is such that the cleaner can be quickly secured to and removed from a can or receptacle.

It is preferred to place the can on its side or end in an approximately horizontal position, and in order that it may remain in the most advantageous position the horse or stand illustrated has been devised and consists of uprights 17 and 18, connected feet 19, and a bracket 20, projected from the rear upright 18. The upper edge of the upright 18 is concave to form a seat for the can and prevent lateral displacement thereof, Whereas the upper end 21 of the part 17 is contracted in Width, so as to pass through a handle 22 of the can or receptacle and prevent the latter from moving laterally and insuring` its position upon the horse. The upper end of the part 17 is concave to conform to the neck of the can. The cleaning mechanism can be applied to the can or receptacle either before it is placed upon the stand or after it has been placed in position thereon, as may be found most convenient.

Having thus described the invention, What is claimed as new is- In apparatus for Washing cans and analogous receptacles, a plate provided With driving mechanism, a cleaner supported by the plate and attached to an element of the driving mechanism, a bar attached to the plate and extended from opposite sides thereof and having a hook at one end, a cam-lever at the opposite end of the bar, and a block attached to the lower side of the plate and having its ends rounded and beveled to lit snugly Within the flaring mouth of the can or receptacle, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

LEONARD T. SEATON. 

